Cuellar holds 'Tele-town hall' on healthcare reform
By
Ray Gomez
Story Created:
Aug 18, 2009
Story Updated:
Aug 20, 2009
Following rowdy town hall meetings across the country, many Washington lawmakers are trying other methods to get out the word about healthcare reform. For Laredo Congressman Henry Cuellar, getting out the word meant a tele-town hall meeting. It was a chance to talk to constituents picked by a firm hired by the Congressman. After Cuellar made a brief introduction from his Laredo law offices, those dialed into a teleconference asked several questions about healthcare issues. The Congressman claims some 6,000 listeners from all over his district were tuned in.
Most of the questions, however, came from the small area of his district near San Antonio. One of the Congressman's aides did not allow us inside his office during the teleconference. However, Mister Cuellar did talk to us after it was all over, specifically on what he was trying to accomplish and what he was trying to learn tonight.
“We asked how concerned are you about your family's rising cost? About 84% of the people said they're very concerned. We asked people what are the aspects of the healthcare system you're concerned about? We're trying to get a lot of information."
The Congressman took several polls during the tele-town hall. He says they will help guide him on which direction healthcare reform should go.
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mario barrera said on Wednesday, Aug 19 at 1:16 AM
What a gutless congressman. He doesn't have the courage to meet with the citizens of his own hometown face to face. He would rather put his tail between his legs and follow Nancy Pelosi like a puppy dog than have to listen to what Laredoans think. Does he really think that he is fooling anyone by hiding from us by appearing on TV?
27943884TimH said on Wednesday, Aug 19 at 9:42 AM
I found out about the conference @ 5:45 PM and called his Washington office. They told me that Cuellar would call up to 40,000 constituents. I also said I had concerns and would like to ask a question. I was told that the only was was if I was called. Then, I asked if I could listen in and was told the listen option was only for media outlets. Representation? Lets vote this weasel out!!!
27954808Imelda G said on Wednesday, Aug 19 at 11:24 AM
Now he hides behind the teleconference. But when he is running for office or being given an award, there he is in person!! A gutless congressman who will not face his own hometown and answer our questions. I have been involved in the teleconference sessions that he has held from Washington office. Those conferences are interesting but it is virtually impossible to ask questions since there is a vast population listening to the session. Meet w/us & stop hiding. You are not fooling us.
279599731stepforward3steps said on Wednesday, Aug 19 at 6:21 PM
U.S. Congressman Cuellar (D) Texas has got to be one of Americas finest elements. If you want to find someone better, you'd better treck to the Everest peak and look about. You won't find a better congressperson. President Obama has also shined for Americans. I have nothing bad to say about both.
27981181"Big O" Orestes said on Wednesday, Aug 19 at 8:53 PM
Shame on you Henry! A gutless wonder who's afraid to face his constituents....Where are you when it counts? Typical career politician who's first in line when it comes to asking for contributions but is no where to be seen when we need him most.
27987787Brave politician said on Thursday, Aug 20 at 8:49 AM
Who were the people you invited Henry,the same dead people you got votes from in the last election.Oh well,at least thhey will agree with you and not argue so poor Henry does not get upset.
28004787S.H. said on Thursday, Aug 20 at 8:52 AM
How did you answer any questions on illegal Mexicans stealing and defrauding our health care system Henry.You probably think the Mexicans should get free health care also,like everything else you go to Washington begging for them.Just move to Mexico and take your brother with you.He can be the Chief of Police in Nuevo Laredo.
28004972JC Justus said on Thursday, Aug 20 at 12:13 PM
I tend to agree with most of the comments made about Henery C. concerning the teleconference. The entire teleconference was nothing but more Henry C. "SIN .... oooops, SPIN." A big show on the phone publicity stunt. Let's face it, Henry is a follower. He is going to do what he is told to do up there in Washington. He "never" wants to take the initiative! Is he really doing anything for us or just jumping on the band wagon for undeserved credit? Its time for Henry to leave! VOTE for term limits!
28017601Passerby said on Thursday, Aug 20 at 9:35 PM
After reading these posts I wonder.....what 1stepforward3steps has been smokin'?
2804317499 Cents! said on Friday, Aug 21 at 5:38 PM
We can agree or disagree, the use of technology is trying to find Laredo. who should pay your doctor? youself or medicare? my private insurance is already high enough! I say send the bill to the government!
28086397bennysgal said on Friday, Aug 21 at 10:26 PM
I am very disappointed with Henry, but, not surprised. He is very good at doliing out money and presenting checks here and there, but, we need more than money. We need for him to listen to us. Now, Henry claims to be Catholic. Most of Laredo, about 99.1% is Catholic. There are reports that taxpayer-funded abortion is part of the plan. Those of us who are Catholic and pro-life need to know how he stands.
28095736bennysgal said on Friday, Aug 21 at 10:27 PM
When Henry was in the Texas House, he claimed to be pro-life. I see no claim to this commitment now that he is in Congress. He needs to realize that in the final analysis, when the Lord calls us for judgment, he is not going to ask us if we were faithful to the Democratic Party. He is going to ask if we were faithful to His Commandments and His Church. Which will it be, Henry?
28095782bennysgal said on Friday, Aug 21 at 10:30 PM
What about the issue of end-of-life care? This is also something very important. I certainly do not want a faceless bureaucratic committee deciding my parents' fate. These are serious concerns that Henry needs to address. Even though he is not much of a debater, check his record in the Texas House, he needs to realize that being a Congressman is not about giving us bread and circuses. He needs to be accountable to the folks who elected him. I don't see that at all and that is bad.
28095844Rome SweetHome said on Friday, Aug 21 at 11:31 PM
Henry is about as bad as the bishop. We only see the bishop when there is a social function or when he's asking for money (or getting money). We can't get either of them to give us a straight answer on anything. I respect the offices that both men hold, but, as persons, they are seriously lacking.
28097364RomeSweetHome said on Friday, Aug 21 at 11:46 PM
It all boils down to accountability. Henry talks about all of the money he's bringing us, but, where was he when the PD didn't get their stimulus money for homeland security? Being a member of Congress is more than getting money. It means being able to have an honest and open dialogue with the folks who elected him. It also means being able to answer a question straight out and not ignore the question. Surely a Georgetown grad could be able to answer an intelligent, reasonable question.
28097719RomeSweetHome said on Friday, Aug 21 at 11:55 PM
Actually, the only time that many of us get to see both Henry and the bishop is when they are riding down the WBC parade route in their decorated cars. That is really a shame. What do we do, shout out our healthcare questions as Henry is riding down San Bernardo?
28097884Old Timer said on Saturday, Aug 22 at 12:05 PM
Way to go "No B@!!s Henry", typical democrat slug.
28113973RomeSweetHome said on Sunday, Aug 23 at 10:14 PM
Even President Obama is meeting with people at his town hall meetings. And he's the president! I saw the Issues 8 broadcast. All Henry did was skirt the issues and not provide any answers. I would rather have a congressman who can be honest and shoot straight, rather than someone with a PhD who cannot answer one question with honesty.
28168992LOL said on Tuesday, Aug 25 at 9:29 AM
And, He has the nerve to come out on TV saying he invites the media and they don't go. Please Mr. Congressman who do you think your lying to you and your brother come out on TV or the Newspaper ever day.
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